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As most of you know, I grew up in Washington, D.C., and spent my teenage years witnessing the newscasts and stories from the Second World War. General George Patton’s sister lived across the street from me, as did President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s naval aide, Harry Butcher, who lived next door to her. Admiral Ernest King, who was chief of naval operations during the Second World War, lived down the street.

I served as a naval supply officer from 1954 – 1956 on the USS Randolph, a World War II aircraft carrier, which fought boldly in the Pacific. All the senior officers and all the senior petty officers on board the ship were veterans of the Pacific Theater. As a result, I have always been fascinated with the battles and war stories that took place.

Certainly one of the most powerful modern day portraits of the war is being shown on HBO with their outstanding program called The Pacific. It portrays the story of the men of the First Marine Division, as they fought for control, first, of Guadalcanal and then Peleliu and, later, Iwo Jima.

The battle scenes are very realistic. We learn firsthand of the horrors of these battles. I am so impressed with the bravery of these young men who willingly sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The acting is outstanding and the message is compelling. These young heroes are indeed our greatest generation. The HBO presentation The Pacific surely helps us remember their courage and their sacrifice.

If you are as fascinated by the events of this conflict, The Pacific is a compelling story and definitely worth watching.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.

Comments

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This IS a great series from what I have watched so far! I also read the book " A Helmet For My Pillow - Story of Robert Leckie " and absolutely loved it! I have much support for all men and women who serve. My grandfather served and retired in the Army and my brother served 8 years.
I love to read your blogs! Keep them coming!!! :-)

These veterans fought and many died for our freedoms. It is a shame that Marriot does not want to recognize the right to bear arms. If you stay at a marriot they do not want you to be able to defend yourself in a strange place. It is so dissapointing that I will not be staying at a marriot hotel anytime in the future.

I concur with your opinion regarding the Greatest Generation. My father spent years in Africa and Europe fighting Nazi oppression in WWII. Those heros were gone from home and familiy defending the freedom of complete strangers for years. I ask you and your readers to remember the sacrafices of the current generation also. This may be the "Nintendo Generation" of spoiled children, but they total less than one percent of Americans who are willing to step forward and in to harms way. They have been fighting now since shortly after 9-11. I have enjoyed the priveledge of serving our nation since 1983 with multiple combat deployments. I start my trip back to the States tomorrow, returning home after 13-months in Afghanistan. Over 50 young Americans assigned to our Brigade have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and for the freedom of the Afghan people (and hundreds wounded). Please remember all of these great Americans this Memorial Day.

I have the impression that here in Europe most of World War II history is just focussed ON Europe, which of course makes sense in a way. But we should not forget about the Pacific Theater and that this really was a World War, not just a Europe War.

Maybe stations will show the series here as well, although I couldn’t find anything on a translation. Would be a good thing.

Please ammend your policy of only giving the military discount to active duty military. My husband served honorably for 20 years, several of which were away from his family. It it obsurd to think that he would not qualify for this discount. You give discounts for AAA or senior citizens, who may or may not have served their country in the military.

Thanks for not having pets in your motels/resorts...just changed from Hilton to Marriott in HH SOuth Carolina...dogs barked all night caused baby to cry ....this went on for 3 days..dogs all around, shut in during day, barked all day Help!

Denise Sharpe. UK. 05/14/2010
Looking forward to seeing 'The Pacific' as my son has recorded it ready for our visit.
Our visit to Washington DC three years ago was wonderful in every aspect as was our stay with you in New York in 1993.
Denise & Barry Sharpe.
Nottingham.UK

The "Pacific" is a great series and the story of the valient men and women who served our nation durring World War II. That generation, well described as "The Greatest Generation" passed their torch to the future generatins that have served.

What we all need to remember is "Freedom isn't free!" It has been, and is being paid for by the countless young men and women have served and continue to serve this great country. To each of them past and present should go "Well done, and THANK YOU!"

I don't know which I enjoy more, your blogs or your great hotels and the people who work there.

The young men and women who served our country in World War II have passed that torch on from generation to generation and with each passing we need to recal a quote - "Freedom isn't free!" it has been paid for with the blood, sweat, and tears of all who have served

Thank you Mr. Marriott for your tribute and recognition of the sacrifices and extreme hardships experienced by those brave fighting men who participated in the Pacific Campaign of WWII. My father was a Marine and served in the Pacific near the end of the war. His life was shaped by his experiences in the Corps. I followed his example and proudly served as a Marine Officer in Viet Nam. Semper Fi, F.J. Montana

o THANK YOU FOR THE OUTSTANDING ACCOLADE ABOUT THE 1st MARINE DIVISION THAT YOU PROVIDED IN YOUR COMMENTARY. THANK YOU TOO FOR THE SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY AS A NAVAL OFFICER.
o I TOO HAD THE HONOR OF SERVING IN THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION AND WISH TO POINT OUT AN ERROR IN YOUR ACCOUNT
ABOVE. THE 1ST DIVISION WAS NOT ON IWO JIMA WHICH WAS INVADED BY THE 3RD, 4TH, AND 5TH MARINE DIVISIONS IN FEBRUARY 1945. THE 1ST, 2ND, AND 6TH MARINE DIVISIONS WERE THEN PREPARING FOR THE INVASION OF OKINAWA THAT TOOK PLACE ON 1 APRIL 1945.
o AS AN INFANTRY RIFLEMAN, MY VIVID RECOLLECTIONS CONFIRM YOUR HIGH OPINION OF THE TV SERIES "PACIFIC" AND THE STORY OF THE FIRST MARINE
DIVISION IN ALL ITS GLORY.
o WITH APPRECIATION,
D. E. FARNHAM

Recently, we spent a day in Washington DC with "Honor Flights" assisting the WWII veterans as they were flown in, bussed in and brought in by Amtrak to see their Memorials. It is hard to impress a man or woman in their 80's or 90's but these veterans were very touched and appreciated being there. Many were in wheelchairs but being with all of them, hearing their stories and watching their interactions was like standing on holy ground.

Mr. Marriott, I could not agree more with you. Even though I am not even American I have found The Pacific series to be extremely well put together and brutally honest in its depiction. I am grateful that the stories of these battles are finally recieving due recognition.

Yes Mr. Marriott I agree and this is a great series. These events helped shape are nation and the men and women who stepped up to serve and people like you Mr. Marriott are the backbone of this great nation. We need to remind everyone that freedom is not free and the cost is not just in $ but bloodshed as well. We need to do all we can to honor these brave men and women and the ones serving today. Everyday should be honor the service men/ women day. God Bless America Deborah J. Ahrns

My husband and I are also watching this series. My father served on the Louisiana in the Pacific right after the Pearl Harbor attacks. His ship was kamikazied, but my dad survived and spent his life in the Navy. My husband just returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and is a Colonel in the Army reserves. I was proud of my father, so proud of my husband and I am so grateful to all who served and who are serving. God Bless them all.

Semper Fi Bill....I was a G'Town student in the late 50's and frequented the olde Hot Shoppes with great regularity. Am avid support of Marriott and have been a long time investor and owner of your Time Share(Monarch) in Hilton Head. Glad to see the stock recovering ...all the best to you and the family.

The Pacific is a great series, having served in the United States Marine Corps it gives me great honor and pleasure to say I am One of the Few, the Proud, the Marines. These men portray great courage and motivation.